Mrs. Uttich K/1

 I have lived in McHenry with my husband and 3 children for 28 years. I have one boy and two girls. The older children are away at college and the youngest is a sophomore in high school.

We also have a border terrier named Riley and I have a turtle in my classroom named Franklin. We enjoy spending time " up north" in the summer and "down south" whenever we can go!

Mrs. Fain K/1

I have been teaching in District 15 for 16 years. I have been at Landmark School teaching K/1 since it opened as a year-round multiage school in 2001.

I am married to Ron. I have three children, a daughter-in-law and a beautiful one year old grandson.

In my free time I love to travel, eat out, read, and spend time with my family and friends

Mrs. West K/1

I received my BSE from Kansas State Teachers College and have dual certification in elementary ed. and early childhood. I received my Master's degree from NIU and have an endorsement in early childhood special education.

I am honored to be recognized in Who's Who Among American Teachers. I have been teaching for 27 years and have been at Landmark School teaching K-1 since it opened in 2001 as a multiage year-round school.

My family lives in Woodstock. We have been in this area for 35 years. We have two sons who live in Chicago. They graduated from different colleges in the city and have jobs they both enjoy. We like having them nearby. Our youngest is pursuing radiography which involves more school and hospital work.     

 My husband and I love to travel, watch movies (especially inde. films) and enjoy the great outdoors. My very favorite thing to do is to read out on our screened porch. I highly recommend The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and John Adams by David McCullough.. Check them out!

Mrs. Bitterman 2/3

I received my Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2006 from National Louis University, and I am so proud to be part of Landmark. This is my fifth year teaching 2^nd and 3^rd grade.

My husband, Brad, and I currently live in Johnsburg with our son Ben. We have two big labs, Chloe and Payton who are very cute, but can be a handful!

In my free time I love reading, 'stamping', and being with my family. I like to travel and play outside. My family camped and vacationed a lot when I was little! We often went to spend time with relatives on the east coast and I developed a love for the ocean. There's nothing like the smell of pines and salt water!

Mrs. Dowell 2/3

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, I grew up with my parents and a younger brother in Kirkwood, a small suburb of St. Louis County. Naturally, I am a devout fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Rams! Currently, I live with my husband, Mark, and two children, Noah and Ava, in McHenry, Illinois. In my spare time, I love to read, play softball, water ski, downhill ski, and spend time with my family.

I have taught here at Landmark since we opened in 2001. My favorite books to read aloud to my students are those written by Kate DiCamillo, particularly The Tale of Despereaux.

Mrs. Hodge 2/3

I was born in Bartlett, Illinois. As a kid, I "taught" my dog to read and write. I guess I wanted to be a teacher from an early age. After high school, I moved to Cedar Rapids where I attended Coe College. I taught 5th grade for 7 years in Cedar Rapids before my family and I moved to McHenry. Landmark has been my "home" ever since and I have taught 4th/5th grade and now 2nd/3rd grade. I have always loved math, but reading is my joy. My favorite children's author is Margie Palatini because her books are hysterical. Check out Piggie Pie! You'll love it!

Mrs. Darst 4/5

I have been teaching at Landmark since it began in 2001. I was part of the planning and design team. Previous to Landmark, I taught at Hilltop for 12 years. Before that I taught in Atlanta, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; and Long Grove, Illinois.

My favorite age of students to teach is 4th and 5th grades. They can be so funny and they love to learn. My favorite subjects to teach are math history, and reading. I love teaching at Landmark because we are a community where learning is the number one priority

Ms. Cole 4/5

I love teaching at Landmark! Its wonderful families and talented, dedicated staff make Landmark a special place to learn and work.  I love our year 'round calendar and being able to bring my background in arts and environmental education to all of our young learners!  I graduated from National Louis University with a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1992 and studied theater and the arts at Columbia College as an undergraduate. In addition to teaching elementary school, I have taught theater and drama to children in McHenry County as well as directed local children's theater productions. I am an avid outdoor photographer, participate in stewardship opportunities through the McHenry County Conservation District, and enjoy camping, gardening, collecting fossils and studying Illinois history. I live in charming Woodstock, IL with my two children and a wide variety of rescued pets.

Mr. Goodman 4/5

I decided to become a teacher because I love to work with young people and think that school can be an engaging and exciting place of discovery and growth. I enjoy all of the different personalities and interests that my students bring with them to school. To this day, I still get goose bumps when a student's face lights up with the pride and excitement that their hard earned successes bring.

My enthusiasm for teaching is built upon a solid foundation of academics and professional experience. This is my twentieth year in District #15, having taught in grades fourth through eighth. This is my eighth year here at Landmark. I hold bachelor degrees in Psychology and Communication Studies from the University of Iowa. I earned my M.A.T. (Masters in the Art of Teaching) from National Louis University in 1991, and became Nationally Board Certified in 2002. I am currently certified as a Master Teacher and am on course to earn a master's degree in Educational Leadership in May of 2013.